DE102016203079A1 - Sensor unit for measuring the mass flow of the solid phases of biogenic multiphase flows as well as flow mechanical characteristics of the gaseous phase - Google Patents

Abstract

The present patent application relates to a sensor unit for use in the multi-phase flow of a harvesting machine, wherein the sensor unit has sensors for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic-safe radiation. In addition, the sensor unit has at least one device for detecting flow parameters of the multiphase flow. The measured values of the sensor unit can advantageously be used to control the mode of operation of the harvesting machine.

Description

The present invention is an apparatus for measuring the solid phases in multiphase flows, in particular for the metrological detection of the grain loading of the transport and / or Abscheideluftstromes a combine harvester and the fluid mechanical characteristics of the gaseous phase. In the following, multiphase flow, in particular biogenic multiphase flow, is understood as meaning a flowing air / plant sub-mixture in which the air represents the gaseous phase and the plant parts, in particular the grains, the solid phase. In particular, in the context of deposition processes, the phases, even only partially, have different directions of movement.

The description of the invention is based on the example of the mobile working machine of a combine harvester. The grain harvest represents an important method of salvaging agricultural crops and consists essentially of the process steps of mowing, threshing, separation and purification. This process chain is based on the state of the art within a combine harvester ( 1 ) realized.

Heterogeneous plant site conditions and climatic changes over the course of the day require continuous adjustment of the machine parameters in order to achieve maximum grain throughput at the lowest possible grain loss level and the best possible utilization of the combine on the driven field.

For this purpose, the machine has variable manipulated variables (for example blower speed, sieve opening widths, several differently adjustable sieves, concave gap width, threshing drum speed, etc.) with which it is possible to influence throughput, threshing and separating quality.

The productivity of the machines is i.a. limited by incomplete separation of the grains on the separation elements shaker or rotor and the cleaning device. The undivided grains return to the field as a loss. Due to the spatially and temporally resolved detection of the deposition rate of the separation elements, measured variables for the automated machine adjustment can be made available. Important parameters are the mass flow of solid phases of biogenous multiphase flows (eg density of the grain-non-grain constituent mixture under the sieves or the shakers / rotors, number of grains and non-grain constituents) and flow-mechanical characteristics of the gaseous phase (flow velocity, static pressure, etc.). ,

• • Die Positionierung der Sensoren erfolgt im oder am Rand der Mehrphasenströmung.
• • Es wird nur ein Teilbereich der festen Phase erfasst.
• • Bedingt durch das existierende Messprinzip wird das Sensorsignal durch die Eigenschaften der Bestandteile der festen Phase beeinflusst.
• • Messfehler durch Fremdkörper, die sich in der zu messenden festen Phase befinden, treten auf.

In the prior art machines, the solid phase of the grain deposited by a functional assembly (shaker, rotor, cleaner) is often measured by piezoelectric sensors or vibration sensors. Due to the following disadvantages, the above-mentioned functional assemblies of a combine harvester can not be reliably controlled with the existing sensors for measuring the solid phase:

• • The sensors are positioned in or at the edge of the multiphase flow.
• • Only a subset of the solid phase is detected.
• • Due to the existing measuring principle, the sensor signal is influenced by the properties of the components of the solid phase.
• • Measurement errors due to foreign bodies in the solid phase to be measured occur.

Accurate monitoring of the passing material flow is not possible with the piezoelectric sensors used. The measurement of the flow-mechanical parameters of the gaseous phase is currently not realized.

In addition, a number of other methods are known to determine the loading of the flow rates in harvesters with plant parts to be used.

The DE 10 2013 107 169 A1 proposes to observe the flow of flow (crop stream) by means of imaging sensors and to determine the fraction of broken grain or non-grain. The results are both visualized and used to control the implement. The disadvantage here is that the image recognition is a complex process that is still subject to considerable uncertainty.

In the US 2008/0171582 A1 It is proposed to optically excite the plant components of interest so that they give off a specific signal. Here it is intended to use the fluorescence properties of the plant parts and to make them detectable by irradiation with light in corresponding wavelength ranges. The device serves in particular to detect the loss of grain at the ejection of the harvester.

The US 4,360,998 provides a variety of sensors on a sieve, which determine using the principle of the light barrier passing through the sieve grain quantities. The distribution of the amount of grain over the length of the sieve extrapolates the amount of loss lost at the end of the sieve. The sensors are arranged in a matrix on the screen and transmit their data to a computer unit, the determines the loss quantity and also informs the driver if a limit value is exceeded.

Due to the insufficient sensors, a regulation of the variable manipulated variables of the combine harvester is only insufficiently possible after the constantly changing separating behavior of the solid phases (grain and non-grain constituents) within the combine harvester. The problem is often the tendency of soiling sensors. In order to be able to control combine harvesters reliably according to the present phases, new sensors or sensor configurations are therefore necessary.

It has as its object to grasp as completely as possible the grain loading of various delivery streams in a harvester, in particular a combine harvester, in order to be able to ensure optimum control of the harvester and to keep grain losses as low as possible. In addition, it has proven to be advantageous, in addition to the amount of grain to detect other fluidic characteristics to allow optimal control of the harvester. The measurement of these parameters should also be part of the solution according to the invention.

According to the invention the object is achieved with a sensor unit according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

• 1. In der Sensoreinheit sind die Geber (Wandler) zur Messung der festen Phasen biogener Mehrphasenströmung und von strömungsmechanischen Kenngrößen der gasförmigen Phase örtlich in einem Gehäuse zusammengefasst.
• 2. Die Messung der festen Phase biogener Mehrphasenströmung erfolgt bevorzugt transmissiv, wobei das Signal gedämpft und / oder unterbrochen wird (2). Dazu ist die Sensoreinheit in einer strömungstechnisch günstigen Form, bspw. der eines Kiels bzw. einer Finne mit abgerundeter und von der Oberfläche der Befestigungsebene der Sensoreinheit weg gekrümmt verlaufender Anströmkante, ausgeführt. Die Sensoreinheit ist bevorzugt so angeordnet, dass Ihre Seitenwände senkrecht oder zumindest annähernd senkrecht verlaufen. Der Kiel wendet dabei dem angreifenden Luftstrom seine schmalste Seite, die Anströmkante, zu und verläuft in seiner Längserstreckung parallel zum Luftstrom. So wird vorteilhaft eine möglichst geringe Beeinflussung der Strömung durch die Sensoreinheit erreicht. Die Sensoren zur Messung der festen Phase der biogenen Mehrphasenströmung sind dabei bevorzugt seitlich an der kielartigen Sensoreinheit angeordnet. Bevorzugt sind die Sensoren dabei als Licht, besonders bevorzugt Laserlicht, oder eine andere Art von elektromagnetischer Strahlung, abgebende (Sender) und/oder empfangende (Empfänger) Vorrichtung ausgeführt. Als geeignete Sender von elektromagnetischer Strahlung werden bevorzugt LEDs, Laserdioden, Halogenlampen oder Gasentladungslampen eingesetzt. Bevorzugt ist die elektromagnetische Strahlung als Lichtgitter, flächig gebündeltes Licht oder Lichtschranke ausgeführt. Geeignete Empfänger sind bspw. Fotodioden, Fototransistoren oder CMOS- bzw. CCD-Zeilen oder auch CMOS bzw. CCD-Flächen. Die Sender senden ein Signal aus, dessen Schwächung oder Unterbrechung registriert und ausgewertet wird. Bevorzugt sind die Sensoren (Sender und Empfänger) hinter Schutzscheiben angeordnet, die vorzugsweise fugenlos mit den Oberflächen der Seitenwände der Sensoreinheit abschließen. Diese Schutzscheiben sind für die ausgehende bzw. einfallende elektromagnetische Strahlung zumindest teilweise (mehr als 50% der elektromagnetischen Strahlung tritt durch die Schutzscheiben hindurch) transparent. Bei Sensoreinheiten, die als Reflektor dienen sollen, sind die Schutzscheiben zumindest teilweise versiegelt oder im Inneren des Gehäuses, hinter den Schutzscheiben ist eine (oder mehrere) spiegelnde Fläche angeordnet. Für Transmissionsmessungen wird die Schwächung bzw. Unterbrechung des Strahlenweges zwischen zwei Sensoren gemessen. Dazu werden zwei Sensoreinheiten in der Mehrphasenströmung angeordnet oder es wird ein entsprechender Sensor (Sender oder Empfänger, komplementär zum Empfänger oder Sensor der anderen Sensoreinheit) in der Wandung des Strömungskanals der Erntemaschine angeordnet. Reflexionsmessungen sehen vor, dass die elektromagnetische Strahlung von den Partikeln in der Mehrphasenströmung gestreut und so geschwächt wird. Die rückgestreute elektromagnetische Strahlung (Streulicht) wird in derselben Sensoreinheit erfasst, von der sie ausgesandt wurde. Dazu weist die Sensoreinheit sowohl Sender als auch Empfänger auf. Die Reflexion kann durch einen gegenüber Sender/Empfänger angeordneten Reflektor erhöht werden. Dann durchquert das Messsignal, den zu messenden Strom ein zweites Mal. Eine bevorzugt Ausführungsform sieht die Kombination von Transmisions- und Streumessung vor. Dabei werden die Signale von Empfängern, in der das Signal aussendenden Sensoreinheit und von einem (oder mehreren) Empfängern in einer beabstandet, bevorzugt parallel, zu der das Signal aussendenden Sensoreinheit angeordneten Einheit (bzw. der Wandung), erfasst. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist eine Sensoreinheit mehrere Sensoren zum Senden bzw. Empfangen elektromagnetischer Strahlung auf, die mit unterschiedlichem Abstand von der Befestigungsseite der Sensoreinheit oder von der Anströmkante angeordnet sind. Dies ermöglicht die Erfassung eines Profils des Körnerflusses. Bei geringer Körnerbeladung des Förderluftstromes ist optional auch eine Einzelkornerfassung möglich.
• 3. Die Messung der strömungsmechanischen Kenngrößen der gasförmigen Phase erfolgt vorzugsweise durch Messung des statischen Drucks, bevorzugt mit Absolutdrucksensoren, und der Messung der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit, bevorzugt durch die Heißfilm-Anemometrie. Die Heißfilm-Anemometrie basiert dabei auf der wärmeabführenden Wirkung eines vorbeifließenden Mediums (hier: der Luftströmung des Förderluftstroms). Die Absolutdrucksensoren weisen bevorzugt eine Membran auf, die fugenlos und mit der Oberfläche der Sensoreinheit abschließend, in der Sensoreinheit angeordnet ist. Die Membran wirkt dann auf Drucksensoren nach dem Stand der Technik ein (bspw. piezoelektrische Sensoren). Es sind jedoch auch andere Sensorkonstruktionen nach dem Stand der Technik möglich. Neben der Heißfilm-Anemometrie sind auch andere Messverfahren zur Strömungsgeschwindigkeitsmessung möglich. Dem Fachmann ist bekannt, dass die Sensoren zur Messung der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit, je nach Messprinzip, in den Seitenwänden der Sensoreinheit oder aber in der Anströmkante anzuordnen sind. Wesentlich ist jedoch, dass die dabei ggf. vorliegenden Öffnungen in der Sensoreinheit sich nicht zusetzen können bzw. dass Messverfahren zur Anwendung gelangen, bei denen keine Öffnungen notwendig sind. Optional können weitere Sensoren vorgesehen sein, so insbesondere ein oder mehrere Temperatursensoren.
• 4. Das Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit ist strömungstechnisch derart geformt, dass keine (bzw. nur eine geringe) bzw. nur außerhalb des Messbereichs liegende Strömungsablösung stattfindet. Durch die spezielle Gehäusegestaltung ist die Winkelsensitivität der Sensoreinheit bezüglich der Messung der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit und des statischen Druckes gering. Eine Winkelunabhängigkeit von ±45° bezogen auf die Sensorquerachse und ±10° bezüglich der Sensorhochachse wird erreicht. Das Gehäuse besteht bevorzugt aus Kunststoff. Es sind jedoch auch andere Gehäusematerialien wie bspw. Edelstahl oder Aluminium möglich.
• 5. Das Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit ist vorteilhaft derart geformt, dass im Bereich der Sensoren keine Gebiete reduzierter Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten (Strömungsablösung, „Totwassergebiet", Rezirkulationen) auftreten, wodurch Ablagerungen von Staub u.ä. vermieden bzw. diese entfernt werden. Durch spezielle Maßnahmen (Stolperdraht, Turbulatoren) wird eine turbulente Grenzschicht erzeugt. Durch die Turbulenz erhöht sich der Impulsaustausch. Hierdurch wird die Strömung in Wandnähe energiereicher und kann der Profilkontur leichter folgen. Eine Ablöseblase wird so verhindert und der Wärmeaustausch begünstigt. Die Gestaltung der äußeren Form der Sensoreinheit wird mittels computergestützter Simulationsverfahren aus dem Stand der Technik so optimiert, dass die strömungstechnischen Zielstellungen (möglichst keine Strömungsablösung, möglichst keine Gebiete reduzierter Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten) erreicht werden.
• 6. Die Gestaltung und Positionierung der Sensoreinheit erfolgt möglichst nichtinvasiv und ohne Rückwirkung bezogen auf die feste biogene Phase der Mehrphasenströmung. Dies wird erreicht, indem bevorzugt die bereits beschriebene Kiel-Form der Sensoreinheit gewählt wird. Die Sensoreinheit wird bevorzugt so in die Mehrphasenströmung eingebracht, dass die Anströmkante dem Luftstrom entgegengerichtet und die Längserstreckung der Sensoreinheit parallel zur Strömungsrichtung der Luft gerichtet ist. Bei einer Anordnung unterhalb einer Siebeinheit, bewegen sich die Körner der Schwerkraft folgend und werden von der Vertikalen lediglich durch die Einwirkung des im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig dazu verlaufenden Luftstromes abgelenkt, der eine Windsichtung des Körnerstroms bewirkt. Auf diese Weise wird die Breitseite der Sensoreinheit vorteilhaft nicht von den Körnern getroffen. Auch eventuell im Fördergut enthaltene Steine und sonstige Beimengungen bewegen sich parallel zu den Seitenwänden der Sensoreinheit, die damit einem geringeren Verschleiß unterliegt und wodurch eine direkte Beeinträchtigung der Sensoren, die vorzugsweise und mit Ausnahme der Strömungsgeschwindigkeitssensoren, in der Seitenwand angeordnet sind, vermieden wird. Die Sensoreinheiten werden bevorzugt unterhalb der Trennebene angeordnet, die sich aus der Position des Siebes ergibt. Dabei kommt mindestens eine Sensoreinheit zum Einsatz, die vorzugsweise mittig angeordnet ist und maximal den Abstand zwischen einer Maschinenseite und der Mitte der Maschine überwachen kann (4). Bei Ausrüstung der Sensoreinheit mit Sensoren zum Senden bzw. Empfangen von elektromagnetischer Strahlung kann die gesamte Maschinenbreite überwacht werden. Bevorzugt ist jedoch die Nutzung mehrerer parallel angeordneter Sensoren über die Breite der Maschine, so dass ein Strömungsprofil erfasst werden kann. Die dadurch mögliche Messung der Verteilung quer zur Förderrichtung dient vorteilhaft der Ermittlung der Querverteilung und der Erhöhung der Stützstellendichte für den Regelalgorithmus. In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform werden Strömungsprofil und Abscheidekurve über die Länge der Abscheidefläche aufgenommen und die Sensoren auch dementsprechend angeordnet. Prinzipiell ist die Anordnung von Sensoren in jedem Muster möglich, dass zur Optimierung des Abscheidevorganges sinnvoll erscheint.
• 7. Bevorzugt befindet sich in der Sensoreinheit eine Auswerteeinheit zur Verarbeitung und Übertragung der gemessenen Größen. Optional werden die Messwerte an eine externe Auswerteeinheit übermittelt und erst dort verarbeitet. Die Prozesskenngrößen werden vorzugsweise innerhalb des Sensors aus den gemessenen Größen ermittelt, jedoch ist auch eine vollständige externe Verarbeitung möglich.
• 8. Das Ausgangssignal der Sensoreinheit wird vorzugsweise über mindestens einen Datenbus (CAN, LIN, ...) zur weiteren Verarbeitung übermittelt. Weiterhin bevorzugt ist eine drahtlose Datenübermittlung. Die weitere Verarbeitung erfolgt bevorzugt in einer zentralen Datenverarbeitungseinheit der Erntemaschine. Weiterhin bevorzugt ist die zentrale Datenverarbeitung in einer mobilen oder stationären Steuereinheit, die die Daten mehrerer Erntemaschinen empfängt, verarbeitet und Steuerdaten für die Erntemaschinen ermittelt und zu diesen überträgt. Die Übertragung erfolgt hier bevorzugt drahtlos.
• 9. Das Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit ist bevorzugt derart gestaltet, dass die Sensoreinheit mit oder ohne Komponenten zur Generierung von elektrischer Leistung aus der Schwingbewegung der Sensoreinheit ausgestattet sein kann. Die Energiegewinnung aus den Rüttelbewegungen wird mit bekannten Methoden zum „energy harvesting“ aus dem Stand der Technik erreicht. Bei Sensoreinheiten, die an stationären Wandungen der Erntemaschine angeordnet sind, kann die Energieversorgung auch mittels herkömmlicher Leitungsführung für elektrische Zuleitungen erfolgen. Es ist optional auch möglich, die Stromversorgung und die Datenübertragung über dieselben Leitungen zu führen.
• 10. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind zwei oder mehr Sensoreinheiten in gemeinsamen Befestigungsvorrichtungen angeordnet. Diese Befestigungsvorrichtungen erlauben das schnelle Auswechseln defekter Sensoreinheiten. Sie sind darüber hinaus bevorzugt dazu ausgelegt, die Sensoreinheiten mit Energie zu versorgen und/oder die Datenverbindung zu einer zentralen Datenverarbeitungsvorrichtung herzustellen. Darüber hinaus gewährleistet die Anordnung in Befestigungsvorrichtungen, dass die Positionierung der Sensoreinheiten unverändert bleibt und auch nach dem Auswechseln einer oder mehrerer Sensoreinheiten in einer gemeinsamen Befestigungsvorrichtung keine aufwendigen Justierungen zur Herstellung der optischen Verbindung zwischen den Sensoreinheiten notwendig ist. In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind die beiden Teile der Befestigungsvorrichtung, die Sensoreinheiten aufnehmen derart gegeneinander verschiebbar, dass der Abstand der Sensoreinheiten ohne Änderung der Sensorausrichtung, d. h. ohne die Notwendigkeit nachträglicher Justierung, verändert (eingestellt) werden kann. Dazu ist bspw. die Verbindung der Sensoreinheiten teleskopierbar bzw. diese sind auf einer gemeinsamen Tragschiene verschiebbar. Die Einstellung erfolgt bevorzugt, indem die Befestigungsvorrichtung mit dem vorgesehenen Abstand der Sensoreinheiten montiert wird. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform sieht jedoch die motorgetriebene Verstellbarkeit des Anstandes der Sensoreinheiten vor. Im zweiten Fall erfolgt die Verstellung vorzugsweise gesteuert durch die Datenverarbeitungsvorrichtung. Die Befestigung in den Befestigungsvorrichtungen erfolgt in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform, indem die Sensoreinheiten in Aussparungen der Befestigungsvorrichtungen eingesetzt werden, welche die Befestigungskonsolen der Sensoreinheiten formideal aufnehmen. und dort lösbar arretiert werden. Die Arretierung erfolgt bspw. mittels Schrauben, Klemmverschlüsse oder ähnlicher Vorgehensweisen aus dem Stand der Technik. Bevorzugt wird mit dem Einsetzen der Sensoreinheiten in die Aussparungen auch die Energie- und Datenverbindung hergestellt. Auch hier kommen bekannte Vorgehensweisen zum Einsatz. Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform sieht eine Befestigungsvorrichtung mit einer einzelnen Aussparung zur Aufnahme einer einzelnen Sensoreinheit vor. Sie Sensoreinheit ist in der Aussparung lösbar befestigt. Dies gestattet das schnelle Auswechseln der Sensoreinheit. Beim Einsetzen der Sensoreinheit in die Aussparung wird auch die Energie- und Datenverbindung zur Sensoreinheit hergestellt.
• 11. Mehrere Sensoren einer Erntemaschine (Mähdrescher) bilden bevorzugt ein rechnergestütztes Netzwerk zur Bereitstellung neuer Regelgrößen für die Erntemaschine.

The sensor unit according to the invention for measuring the mass flow of the solid phases of biogenic multiphase flows as well as flow-mechanical characteristics of the gaseous phase preferably has the following features:

• 1. In the sensor unit, the encoders (transducers) for measuring the solid phases of biogenic multiphase flow and of flow characteristics of the gaseous phase are combined locally in a housing.
• 2. The measurement of the solid phase of multiphase biogenic flow preferably takes place transmissively, whereby the signal is attenuated and / or interrupted ( 2 ). For this purpose, the sensor unit in a fluidically favorable form, for example. Of a keel or a fin with rounded and curved away from the surface of the mounting plane of the sensor unit extending leading edge executed. The sensor unit is preferably arranged so that its side walls are perpendicular or at least approximately vertical. The keel turns the attacking airflow its narrowest side, the leading edge, and runs in its longitudinal extent parallel to the air flow. Thus, the smallest possible influence on the flow is achieved by the sensor unit. The sensors for measuring the solid phase of the biogenic multiphase flow are preferably arranged laterally on the keel-like sensor unit. In this case, the sensors are preferably embodied as light, particularly preferably laser light, or another type of electromagnetic radiation, emitting (transmitter) and / or receiving (receiver) device. Suitable transmitters of electromagnetic radiation are preferably LEDs, laser diodes, halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps. Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation is designed as a light grid, flat bundled light or light barrier. Suitable receivers are, for example, photodiodes, phototransistors or CMOS or CCD lines or even CMOS or CCD surfaces. The transmitters send out a signal whose weakening or interruption is registered and evaluated. The sensors (transmitter and receiver) are preferably arranged behind protective screens, which preferably terminate seamlessly with the surfaces of the side walls of the sensor unit. These protective screens are at least partially transparent to the outgoing or incident electromagnetic radiation (more than 50% of the electromagnetic radiation passes through the protective screens). For sensor units which are to serve as a reflector, the protective disks are at least partially sealed or inside the housing, behind the protective screens one (or more) reflective surface is arranged. For transmission measurements, the attenuation or interruption of the beam path between two sensors is measured. For this purpose, two sensor units are arranged in the multiphase flow or a corresponding sensor (transmitter or receiver, complementary to the receiver or sensor of the other sensor unit) is arranged in the wall of the flow channel of the harvester. Reflection measurements provide that the electromagnetic radiation from the particles in the multiphase flow is scattered and thus weakened. The backscattered electromagnetic radiation (stray light) is detected in the same sensor unit from which it was emitted. For this purpose, the sensor unit has both transmitter and receiver. The reflection can be increased by a reflector arranged opposite the transmitter / receiver. Then the measuring signal traverses the current to be measured a second time. A preferred embodiment provides the combination of Transmisions- and scattering measurement. In this case, the signals from receivers in which the signal emitting sensor unit and from one (or more) receivers in a spaced, preferably parallel, to the signal emitting sensor unit arranged unit (or the wall), detected. In a preferred embodiment, a sensor unit a plurality of sensors for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic radiation, which are arranged at different distances from the mounting side of the sensor unit or from the leading edge. This allows the detection of a profile of the grain flow. With a low grain loading of the conveying air flow, individual grain detection is optionally possible.
• 3. The measurement of the flow-mechanical characteristics of the gaseous phase is preferably carried out by measuring the static pressure, preferably with absolute pressure sensors, and measuring the flow velocity, preferably by the hot-film anemometry. The hot-film anemometry is based on the heat dissipating effect of a flowing medium (here: the air flow of the conveying air flow). The absolute pressure sensors preferably have a membrane, which is arranged without joints and with the surface of the sensor unit in the sensor unit. The membrane then acts on pressure sensors of the prior art (for example piezoelectric sensors). However, other sensor designs according to the prior art are possible. In addition to hot-film anemometry, other measuring methods for flow velocity measurement are possible. The person skilled in the art is aware that the sensors for measuring the flow velocity, depending on the measuring principle, are to be arranged in the side walls of the sensor unit or else in the leading edge. It is essential, however, that the openings possibly present in the sensor unit can not clog up or that measuring methods are used in which no openings are necessary. Optionally, further sensors may be provided, in particular one or more temperature sensors.
• 4. The housing of the sensor unit is fluidically shaped such that no (or only a small) or only lying outside of the measuring range flow separation takes place. Due to the special housing design, the angle sensitivity of the sensor unit with respect to the measurement of the flow velocity and the static pressure is low. An angular independence of ± 45 ° with respect to the sensor transverse axis and ± 10 ° with respect to the sensor vertical axis is achieved. The housing is preferably made of plastic. However, other housing materials such as. Stainless steel or aluminum are possible.
• 5. The housing of the sensor unit is advantageously shaped such that no areas of reduced flow velocities (flow separation, "dead water area", recirculations) occur in the area of the sensors, as a result of which deposits of dust and the like are avoided or removed. Tripling wire, turbulators) creates a turbulent boundary layer which increases the momentum exchange, increasing the energy flow near the wall and making it easier to follow the profile contour, thus preventing a peel-off bubble and promoting heat exchange by means of computer-aided simulation method from the prior art optimized so that the flow-related objectives (if possible, no flow separation, possible no areas of reduced flow velocities) can be achieved.
• 6. The design and positioning of the sensor unit is preferably non-invasive and without retroactivity based on the solid biogenic phase of the multiphase flow. This is achieved by preferably selecting the already described keel shape of the sensor unit. The sensor unit is preferably introduced into the multiphase flow such that the leading edge is directed counter to the air flow and the longitudinal extent of the sensor unit is directed parallel to the flow direction of the air. In an arrangement below a sieve unit, the grains move according to gravity and are deflected from the vertical only by the action of the substantially perpendicular thereto air flow, which causes an air classification of the grain stream. In this way, the broad side of the sensor unit is advantageously not hit by the grains. Also possibly contained in the conveyed stones and other admixtures move parallel to the side walls of the sensor unit, which is subject to less wear and thereby direct interference of the sensors, which are preferably arranged and with the exception of the flow velocity sensors in the side wall, is avoided. The sensor units are preferably arranged below the parting plane resulting from the position of the screen. At least one sensor unit is used, which is preferably arranged centrally and can monitor a maximum of the distance between a machine side and the center of the machine ( 4 ). When the sensor unit is equipped with sensors for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic radiation, the entire machine width can be monitored. However, it is preferred to use a plurality of sensors arranged in parallel across the width of the machine, so that an airfoil can be detected. The resulting possible measurement of the distribution transversely to the conveying direction advantageously serves to determine the transverse distribution and the increase of the support point density for the control algorithm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the flow profile and the deposition curve are over the length of the separation surface recorded and the sensors also arranged accordingly. In principle, the arrangement of sensors in each pattern is possible that appears to be useful for optimizing the deposition process.
• 7. Preferably located in the sensor unit, an evaluation unit for processing and transmission of the measured quantities. Optionally, the measured values are transmitted to an external evaluation unit and processed there. The process parameters are preferably determined within the sensor from the measured quantities, but also a complete external processing is possible.
• 8. The output signal of the sensor unit is preferably transmitted via at least one data bus (CAN, LIN,...) For further processing. Further preferred is a wireless data transmission. The further processing preferably takes place in a central data processing unit of the harvesting machine. Furthermore, the central data processing in a mobile or stationary control unit, which receives the data of several harvesting machines, processes and determines control data for the harvesting machines and transmits to them. The transmission is preferably wireless here.
• 9. The housing of the sensor unit is preferably designed such that the sensor unit can be equipped with or without components for generating electrical power from the oscillating movement of the sensor unit. The energy from the Rüttelbewegungen is achieved with known methods for energy harvesting from the prior art. In sensor units which are arranged on stationary walls of the harvester, the power supply can also be effected by means of conventional wiring for electrical leads. Optionally, it is also possible to carry the power supply and the data transmission over the same lines.
• 10. In a preferred embodiment, two or more sensor units are arranged in common fastening devices. These fasteners allow quick replacement of defective sensor units. In addition, they are preferably designed to supply the sensor units with energy and / or to establish the data connection to a central data processing device. In addition, the arrangement ensures in fastening devices that the positioning of the sensor units remains unchanged and even after replacing one or more sensor units in a common mounting device no costly adjustments for the preparation of the optical connection between the sensor units is necessary. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two parts of the fastening device, the sensor units record so mutually displaceable that the distance of the sensor units without changing the sensor orientation, ie without the need for subsequent adjustment, changed (can be set). For this purpose, for example, the connection of the sensor units can be telescoped or they can be displaced on a common mounting rail. The adjustment is preferably carried out by the fastening device is mounted with the intended distance of the sensor units. However, a further preferred embodiment provides for the motor-driven adjustability of the propriety of the sensor units. In the second case, the adjustment is preferably controlled by the data processing device. The attachment in the fastening devices takes place in a preferred embodiment by the sensor units are used in recesses of the fastening devices, which receive the mounting brackets of the sensor units formideal. and be releasably locked there. The locking takes place, for example, by means of screws, clamp closures or similar procedures from the prior art. Preferably, the insertion of the sensor units in the recesses and the energy and data connection is made. Again, familiar procedures are used. A preferred embodiment provides a fastening device with a single recess for receiving a single sensor unit. The sensor unit is releasably secured in the recess. This allows for quick replacement of the sensor unit. When inserting the sensor unit in the recess and the power and data connection to the sensor unit is made.
• 11. Several sensors of a harvester (combine harvester) preferably form a computer-aided network for providing new controlled variables for the harvester.

The sensors according to the invention are advantageously used in the harvester at the positions at which a deposition takes place.

When using a plurality of sensor units according to the invention in the harvesting machine, the sensor unit according to the invention makes it possible to determine both the number of grains or a signal correlated with the density of the grain flow, as well as in which machine part or which sieve section the deposition takes place. In addition, it can be determined how much grains or other plant material is enforced at which point of the harvester. This information can be used to even out and optimize the Flow distribution can be used in the harvester. Furthermore, the information of the sensor units serve to control or regulate the machine settings, for example the engine speed, the mesh size and the like.

In particular, it is now possible to detect how many usable plant parts (grains) leave the harvester without being separated (direct loss determination).

In a first preferred embodiment, multiple sensors distributed over the length of the screen are used. First, the deposition curve is generated from the measured values, and then the losses are calculated using a model. It is therefore an indirect loss determination.

In a second preferred embodiment, only one sensor unit is used at the end of the separation surface. Thus, the losses are calculated directly from the measured values / correlated.

Further advantageously, it is possible to detect the pressure conditions during the starting process of the harvester. For this purpose, differential pressure measurements between the pressure sensors of individual sensor units are preferably evaluated. The measurement of the pressure conditions prior to the starting process serves to calibrate the sensors to the ambient pressure. The absolute pressure is preferably used to characterize the flow resistance of the material layer and correlates with the loading (throughput) of the cleaning device.

characters

1 shows the sensor arrangements (circled areas) in a combine harvester according to the prior art. Here, sensors are arranged in the exit regions of the crop separation, which are intended to record the loss.

2 shows the basic arrangement of the sensor units (transmitter and receiver) and their positioning in relation to the directions of movement of the fixed 101 and gaseous 100 Phases. The particles 105 be in the laser field 104 the sending sensor unit 102 illuminated and in the receiving sensor unit 103 detected.

3 shows the basic version of the sensor unit according to the invention 200 , Well recognizable is the keel-shaped design of the sensor unit 200 with the leading edge 201 which faces the movement of the gaseous phase. The illustrated sensor unit 200 also has a hot film sensor 202 for determining the flow velocity and a pressure sensor 203 to determine the static pressure on. The optical sensor 204 is executed strip-shaped.

4 shows the sensor unit according to the invention 200 schematically in three views, side view, front view (flowed edge) and top view (mounting side). This embodiment has a mounting bracket 205 on, by means of the sensor unit 200 in a fastening device 207 can be used and locked there.

In 5 is schematically the arrangement of two sensor units 200 in a common fastening device 207 shown. The figure shows (from top left, bottom right) the arrangement in front view, side view, top view (mounting side) and in perspective. The beam path 208 between the optical sensors (transmitter 2001 and receiver 2002 ) of the two sensor units 200 is shown schematically.

6 schematically shows arrangement variants of the sensor units according to the invention 200 under a sieving unit 106 in side view (a)) and seen from below (b)). These monitor, for example, one half of the wire width - arrangement (a), or only one segment 107 as in arrangement (b). The segments are formed when the screen is divided into strip-shaped, parallel to the flow direction of the air, sections. In the arrangements (a) and (b), a sensor unit operates as a transmitter / receiver 2001 or as a receiver / reflector 2002 , Arrangement (c) shows the use of sensor units 2001 acting as transmitter and receiver 2001 working, in the middle of the wire width, but only the backscattered electromagnetic radiation detect and not an area between two sensor units 200 monitor. The arrangement (d) makes it possible to measure the changes in the flux densities in a segment by means of pairs of sensor units connected in series in the direction of the flow of the gaseous phase 2001 . 2002 to monitor. The segments 107 are from Stegen 109 separated, among which preferably the sensor units 2001 . 2002 are arranged. If only the basket loss is to be detected, it is usually sufficient to provide one sensor unit pair per machine side. For differentiated control of the grain separation, however, it is advantageous to choose an arrangement according to (d).

The 7 and 8th show preferred positions of sensor units 200 on combine harvesters with a tray shaker 305 ( 7 or rotor 304 ( 8th ). Under the hurler shaker 305 or rotor 304 be at least two, preferably three or more sensor units 200 arranged. Under the upper sieve 301 and / or the lower sieve 302 are also at least two, preferably three or more sensor units 200 intended.

embodiment

The following embodiment explains the structure and use of the sensor unit according to the invention, but without limiting the invention to this example.

The sensor units according to the invention are used in this embodiment in pairs, in a defined distance of the first and the second sensor unit to each other. The sensor units have to consoles, by means of which they are held in the recesses of the fastening device. With the insertion of the sensor unit consoles in the fastening device and the contact for electrical power supply and data exchange by means of the arranged in the fastening devices connector or its counterparts in the consoles is made. The sensor units are 258 mm long (largest dimension) and have a height of 60 mm. The thickness is a maximum of 25 mm. The sensor units are made of the injection-molded plastic Ultramid A3X2G5sw23187. The translucent material of the optical sensor disk is Makrolon 550115. The dimensions of the disk are approximately 100 mm × 30 mm. The disc is rounded to avoid tensions at the corners. The leading edge of the sensor unit has a radius of curvature of 60 mm from the base line (edge against which the sensor unit is seated) to the keel line (edge of the sensor unit running parallel to the base line). The shape of the leading edge was determined by means of a computer-aided mathematical simulation.

The two keel lines of the sensor units are parallel to each other and have a spacing of 250 mm.

As sensors, a transmitter for electromagnetic radiation, a hot-film sensor for measuring the flow velocity and a pressure sensor for measuring the static pressure in the first sensor unit are arranged.

The second sensor unit has a receiver for electromagnetic radiation, in particular the radiation emitted by the first sensor unit. In addition, a hot film sensor for measuring the flow rate and a pressure sensor for measuring the static pressure are also included.

• – Bestückung 1: mehrere Sensoreinheitenpaare entlang des Untersiebes der Reinigungseinrichtung dienen der Ermittlung der Abscheidekurve (indirekte Verlustermittlung),
• – Bestückung 2: mehrere Sensoreinheitenpaare entlang des Obersiebes der Reinigungseinrichtung ermitteln ebenfalls die Abscheidekurve für die indirekte Verlustermittlungm
• – Bestückung 3: ein Sensoreinheitenpaar misst über die Breite des Untersiebes der Reinigungseinrichtung und dient so der Bestimmung der Querverteilung (z.B. Korrektur der Hangeinflusses, Regelung gleichmäßiger Querverteilung),
• – Bestückung 4: ein Sensoreinheitenpaar misst über die Breite des Obersiebes der Reinigungseinrichtung und dient so der Bestimmung der Querverteilung (z.B. Korrektur der Hangeinflusses, Regelung gleichmäßiger Querverteilung),
• – Bestückung 5: mehrere Sensoreinheitenpaare messen entlang der Abscheideeinrichtung (Schüttler / Rotor) die Querverteilung (z.B. für Korrektur der Hangeinflusses, Regelung gleichmäßiger Querverteilung),
• – Bestückung 6: mehrere Sensoreinheitenpaare messen hinter dem Obersieb (Reinigungsübergang) und ermöglichen damit eine direkte Verlustermittlung,

Couples of the sensor unit according to the invention are arranged in the harvester in the following places:

• - Assembly 1: several pairs of sensor units along the lower wire of the cleaning device are used to determine the deposition curve (indirect loss determination),
• - Assembly 2: several sensor unit pairs along the top wire of the cleaning device also determine the deposition curve for indirect loss determination
• - assembly 3: a pair of sensor units measures across the width of the lower sieve of the cleaning device and thus serves to determine the transverse distribution (eg correction of the influence of the slope, regulation of uniform transverse distribution),
• - Assembly 4: a pair of sensor units measures across the width of the upper screen of the cleaning device and thus serves to determine the transverse distribution (eg correction of the influence of the slope, regulation of uniform transverse distribution),
• - Assembly 5: several sensor unit pairs measure the lateral distribution along the separation device (shaker / rotor) (eg for correction of the influence of the slope, regulation of uniform lateral distribution),
• - Assembly 6: several pairs of sensor units measure behind the upper sieve (cleaning transition) and thus enable a direct loss determination,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 cutting

2

 feederhouse

3

 leveling

4

 Cross-flow fan

5

 preparing the ground

6

 Throwing-elevator, -transition

7

 screenbox

8th

 Return pan

9

 Shakers

10

 shredder

11

 engine

12

 separator

13

 beater

14

 threshing

15

 cab

Circled details in 1 : Areas in which grain loss sensors are positioned in the prior art

100

 Direction of the gaseous phase

101

 Conveying direction of the solid phase

104

 laser field

105

 grains

106

 Parting plane (sieve)

107

 segment

108

 Middle of cleaning (cleaning device)

109

 Footbridge between the segments

200

 sensor unit

2001

 Transmitter-receiver

2002

 Receiver / reflector

201

 specially shaped leading edge

202

 Hot-film sensor

203

 pressure sensor

204

 optical sensor

205

 mounting bracket

206

 Power supply / data cable

207

 Fastening device for sensor pair

208

 Beam path between two sensor units

301

 top wire

303

 bottom wire

304

 rotor

305

 A straw walker

(A) ... (d)

 preferred sensor positions

G

 fan

L

 left side of the machine

R

 right side of the machine

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013107169 A1 [0009]
• US 2008/0171582 A1 [0010]
• US 4360998 [0011]

Claims (17)

Sensor unit for use in the multi-phase flow of a harvester, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one device for emitting and / or at least one device for receiving or reflecting electromagnetic safe radiation, characterized in that the sensor unit further comprises at least one device for detecting flow parameters and the devices for emitting and / or receiving electromagnetic safe radiation for detecting usable parts of plants and the device for detecting flow parameters are arranged together in a housing and is introduced into the multi-phase flow, that the leading edge of the housing is directed opposite to the air flow and the longitudinal extent of the housing in parallel is directed to the flow direction of the air and the sensor unit is designed such that in the region of the sensors no areas of slow flow velocities occur and that no or n ur flow outside the measuring range takes place, wherein a turbulent boundary layer between the outside of the housing of the sensor unit and the multi-phase flow is generated. Sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for emitting electromagnetic radiation comprises at least one light-emitting diode or laser diode or at least one gas discharge tube or at least one halogen lamp. Sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for receiving electromagnetic radiation comprises at least one photodiode or a phototransistor or a CCD array. Sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for detecting flow parameters comprises a hot film sensor for detecting the flow velocity and / or an absolute pressure sensor. Sensor unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit comprises electronic means for recording, processing and / or transmission of the sensor measured values. Sensor unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit is powered by means of "energy harvesting" with energy. Sensor unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is formed kielförmig with a flow direction of the multi-phase flow facing leading edge. Sensor unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor unit has at the leading edge one or more tripping wires for generating the turbulent boundary layer between the outside of the housing and the air flow. Sensor unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit has a console, by means of which it can be releasably secured in a fastening device. Sensor unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the energy and data connection is made with the attachment of the sensor unit in the fastening device. Sensor unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the fastening device has two or more recesses for receiving sensor units, wherein the distance between the sensor units can be adjusted from each other. Sensor unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit exchanges electromagnetic radiation with a corresponding device for emitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation in a wall of the channel in which the multiphase flow, electromagnetic radiation for the detection of usable plant parts. Use of sensor units according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor units below the rotor, the Hordenschüttlers, the upper wire and / or the lower wire are arranged such that the perpendicular to the side walls of the housing of the sensor units at least approximately perpendicular to the directions of movement of gaseous and solid phases. Use of sensor units according to claim 13, characterized in that at least two sensor units, which are staggered in the direction of the movement of the solid phase, also referred to as the material transport direction, are arranged under the hurdle shaker and / or the rotor. Use of sensor units according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the upper sieve and / or lower sieve are divided into segments parallel to the direction of movement of the gaseous phase, wherein mutually opposite, mutually corresponding Sensor units monitor a segment and / or multiple segments. Use of sensor units according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that staggered under upper sieve and / or lower sieve in the direction of movement of the gaseous phase at least two opposing sensor unit pairs are arranged, which are so suitable, the change of the grain separation with respect to the Lengthwise of the sieves, to capture. Use of sensor units according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the signals of the sensor units are used to control or regulate the harvester or the machine settings, for example the fan speed, the screen width and the like.

Images